What's your relationship with FOOD? A personal story about my very own relationship with it

This blog post is different from most.

It's not about going to food festivals, traveling around and discovering a country's cuisine, nor is it about shopping around the markets and showing beautiful pictures of the local produce and market vendors.  No, this is a personal story about my relationship with food.

I've been fascinated with food for many years and while I consider myself a "foodie," the term itself makes twitch a bit.  Mainly because the term has been so widespread and used for anyone who likes to eat.  As with most general terms, you can break it down even further and categorize it.  It forced me to think more in-depth of where I belonged, of which sub-sector I fit in best.

Sure, I love to eat and I remember the days of beating out a boy in high school in a pizza-eating contest well over 10 years ago, or how it's just impossible for me to say "no" to an offer for food, but times have change and I have evolved.  My relationship with food is not about quantity, it's about quality.

In this day and age, it's easy to get tempted by all the products that line the shelves.  There's no denying that it makes eating (sometimes) easier, convenient and that some of the foods actually do taste good.  But what scares me is wondering what all those preservatives are doing to our health, in the short-term and more so, in the long-term.  Remember that Breyer's ice-cream commercial back in the day?

Our diet, the way in which we eat (not to be mistaken for weight-loss), is an integral part of our health.  For the most part, I had always opted for the more healthy options.  If I am to put a label on what type of foodie I am, it would be a health-conscious foodie.  Fresh and local ingredients are my preferences and I'll do my best to keep it that way.  But even when you're eating healthy, it doesn't always agree with your health.

My lifestyle has, more or less, done a 180 here in Australia (for those who don't know what a 180 is, it means a complete change) but my eating habits have not shifted as much.  As my time here winds down and I prepare to move back to the States, I took a critical look and realized that my health had suffered, even when I was eating healthy.  My energy levels have been low and while all the stresses and changes that life throws at you can be a part of it, what you intake will also affect it.

By working with a naturopath, a form of alternative medicine, we looked at how much food can affect one's health.  The naturopath highly recommended that I take what's called a "food sensitivity test."  While a food allergy is more extreme and has a much quicker reaction time and more extreme reaction, a food sensitivity on the other hand is slower and a less noticeable reaction.

I fought in my head.  I didn't want to take it because if I had become sensitive to something, I wouldn't know how to deal because I love food so much and omitting something I currently eat would be tough.  Whether being vegan has become trendy or just more apparent, I could never do it.

I fought some more in my head and finally, after much resistance, decided to take the test.  If it's my health in hand, it's better to know earlier than later.  In addition, a food elimination method would take too long and would require attention I don't have at the moment.  I would just have to repeat to myself and remember that it was just to be used as a guide and that it's a sensitivity and not an allergy.

After a bit of anticipation and some days later, results have come in:

I told you there weren't going to be any pretty pictures..

Definitely not what I wanted to see.  Dairy products (including my beloved cheese!), nuts (really?!?), beef (luckily, I don't eat much of it anyhow), wheat (oh my bread!), and chocolate ranked high on the list.  It's heartbreaking really, but what gets me by is that it's temporary.  After about 2 months, I'll be able to slowly reintroduce these foods and see how I react.  

Eating healthy is not only key but also eating the way that your body needs to is also important.  We're all built differently, inside and out, and one size doesn't fit all.  Though we may see a lot of commonalities cross over, we really are unique and our diets need to be reflective of that.  On the bright side of things, it'll give me the opportunity to research and play with different ingredients that I may not have yet tried to create more spectacular meals in my life and find more good eats around this world.

Taste of Sydney 2013

The Taste of Sydney food festival ran last week from Thursday, March 14 – Sunday, March 17, 2013.  I definitely attended to check out what they had and not only for one session, but for three sessions! Call me a bit crazy but there’s a reason behind it.  You see, I’d bought tickets about a month ago and then ended up getting some free tickets so hey, why not? It would be beneficial because then, I could “suss” it out the first time.

What I love about going to food festivals is the opportunity to DISCOVER.  Discover new restaurants, new chefs, new food, new ingredients, new spreads, new dips, new oils, new beer, new wine, new alcohol, etc.  Okay, sometimes they may not be new but they’re new to me so the novelty is there. 

With a plethora of different goods around, it’s easy to get intimidated when going to the store and buying a full pack of X.  Perhaps one may have no idea of what it taste like or even how to prepare or what it pairs with best.  Luckily, vendors at these food festivals are very happy to let you sample and taste the final product.  They’ve done the work of combining and testing out what they know to find the best match together and have it presented for you to try.

The cider tent! Ever thought of trying a "cider float?" I tried it with some frozen yogurt, definitely made for those who can handle the strong tart flavours.  This was a "secret menu" item concocted by a vendor at another tent :) 

Jackie M. cooking up some Malaysian Roti Canai

The Sustainable Living area :)

Some cheese? Don't mind if I do! Let me count the ways I love thee....

It’s no secret that I’m a big (HUGE) fan of gelato and one of THE places here in Sydney, Gelato Messina, has converted me into an addict.  One day, I’ll probably write up a love letter – whether it’s to the gelateria shop and/or to their flavours and/or the art and science behind it, it’ll happen.  Messina holds classes for those who are interested in finding out what goes behind the scenes and to show their raving popularity, all the classes for the rest of the year have been booked out for awhile now!

In any case, the best highlight for me during the Taste of Sydney was being able to watch head gelato chef Donato Toce from Gelato Messina prepare 2 of their popular gelato flavours: salted caramel and white chocolate, and tiramisu.  I learned fun facts like how they go through 1,000kg of sugar per week (mmm…sugar) or that the weekly specials are determined and tested 6 weeks in advanced! Overall, I was a happy camper with a full belly (as usual....).

With Donato Toce of Gelato Messina and with my gelato spoon ready in hand!

Mushroom Picking

Once upon a time, my friend Ksenia had told me that she was going mushroom picking to which I enthusiastically responded, "mushroom picking?!? Tell me more!"  It sounded like a fun adventure and so when one of my friends here in Sydney told me she was going, I had to get in on the action.

Perhaps it's more of a Eastern European/Soviet Union activity as it seemed quite common to them, one being from Russia and the other from Ukraine, but the thought of going out for my own wild mushrooms hadn't really crossed my mind.

This past weekend, we went off to the Belanglo State Forest for a quick weekend getaway.  It was only on the way there that I had learned about the dangers and reputation it received but luckily, there was comfort in traveling in a large and well-traveled group of folks who knew what they were doing.

Fun team building games were organized to welcome us onto the campground and to get to know each other a bit more.  There was a bit of mushroom sighting but we saved it for the day after so as to pick and take them home at their freshest.

Frolicking through the forest in between trees and searching for mushrooms was exhilarating and each time we found the smaller ones (that are less common to come across), it was like finding treasure! 86 mushrooms later, I decided to call it a day for picking these Saffron Milk Cap mushrooms:

I even counted up to 86 in Russian!

Peek-a-boo! Mushroom eyes look like donuts...just sayin'

These beautiful Saffron Milk Cap wild mushrooms have such a beautiful and vibrant orange color.

An important note about mushroom picking: definitely do your research and go somewhere known for mushroom picking as there will be signs and pictures on the edible types of mushrooms.  "If in doubt, go without!" Also, don't forget to bring your knife and a bag or box to place your mushrooms in.

Byron Bay - Part II

Where does the time go? Months pass by so quickly and lots has happened. Turns out that I had written a Byron Bay Part I post, which meant I still had more to share.  Perhaps I adopted some of this:

Just maybe, they'll be there

In any case, I went through and dug through my photos to see what else was remaining that was worthwhile:

Crystal Castle rainbow umbrellas, refreshing ice teas, fish n chips from Fish heads, sampling crackers with  Saghtar  spreads at the Bangalow Markets, and enjoying lunch outdoors

Nestled in between some wood fired pizzas

Freshly squeezed juice makes me jump!

Vibrant oranges fill the carts and boxes

Food signage

This man awaits you for some brekkie at Bayleaf Cafe

Let your sense of adventure take you to places you've never gone before

Byron Bay - Part I

It's good to get away for the weekend and escape for a bit.  Especially if it includes warm weather and good food:

Follow me down to the most eastern part of Australia

Up in the hills is a magical place and it even has a labyrinth. 

Poinciana  Cafe in Mullumbimby, NSW

Colourful signage at the Bangalow Markets.
We were lucky to have caught it (last Sundays of each month)

I found Red Dacca bananas, which I'd never heard of.
It was a tasty and delicious snack.

Chai Tea Latte from In the Pink (Homemade Ice Cream, Gelati, and Sorbet)

City2Surf 2012 - an excuse to fill up on carbs

Yes! It's happening alright; this Sunday, I'll be participating in City2Surf, one of the world's largest running events. It also happens to be on my list of things to do: enter a sporting event/race and finish it.  Mind you, I'll actually be walking with a group of folks from the studio where I work.  The streets here in Sydney will be jam packed as 80,000 people make their way from the city, in a 14km (8.7 miles) trek, to the infamous Bondi Beach.

In doing so, I decided to use this opportunity to raise funds for a not-for-profit (non-profit) organisation called Sustainable Table.  It uses "food as an entree to explore sustainability issues," and increases our "awareness of how today's industralised food system affects our environment."  By working together, we can help to overcome challenges, such as this one.

A BIG AND FLUFFY THANK YOU to those who have supported me for this cause! Especially you anonymous people I can't write a personal thank you to.  I will be thinking of you guys when I cross the finish line (which will probably be done in-style by dancing some Bachata in some silly 80s outfits).  So let's hope blue skies and the sun will emerge in time for Sunday.

And for those who would still like to donate, you can still do so by clicking here.  Cheers!

2012 Sydney edition of the Good Food and Wine Show

Last year, I went to the Good Food and Wine Show as a spectator.  This year, I was on the other side of the table working 2 days of the 3-day event (one of those days was reserved to see LADY GAGA!!) as a volunteer for the Chef's Table, which featured celebrity chefs Adrian Richardson, Anna Gare, and Miguel Maestre from the Lifestyle Food Channel.

During lunch, I did have a few moments to wander around the various stalls and stock up on some products as well as sampling some of the things that were being prepared.  

Most of the hours were spent in the kitchen and on the floor. Each of the chefs prepared 3 dishes - most had 2 savory and 1 sweet and the other chef had all savory plates.  Let's get down to the photos I snapped while I was in the kitchen, enjoy!

Avocado Carpaccio with Seared Scallops

Leek Tarte Tatin
(upside-down tart where the filling is caramelised first before baking)

Pork Sausage with a Soft, Herby, Cheesy Polenta

Choc Date Nut Torte (center, amazing!!!), Leek Tarte Tatin (upper right), Beetroot Cured Trout

Looking at these pictures is surely stimulating my appetite but it could also be that I'm posting this pre-lunch. If you're interested in getting the recipe from any of the above, let me know and I'll send them your way.